I suppose the real question is what is the best way to remove oil from a rock wall -maybe a Handy Andy or Sunlight soap? This oil is affecting routes, I am surprised no one has organized a clean up months ago, but I suppose we are all to blame for this.

Fortunately for the people that couldn't help with rebolting the Mine (and other crags), cutting/maintaining paths round Silvermine, ensuring legal access to climbing areas and restoring the bases of Bad kloof crags this is an ideal time to release your frustrations at not having the opportunity to contribute to the community that you so actively take from. Best of all there are several crags/areas that need attention, over several weekends and so there is no way that your calendar is (as has been up to now- double booked with important things like sending routes and climbing at newly reopened areas elsewhere: with all this there will be an opportunity to contribute!

On this topic I am very keen on cleaning the "Wedding Rock" before 3 March 2013, and being there for that day: would love to see the person that annually defaces such a prominent stone.

The best way to remove oil would probably be to use engine degreaser available at most motor spare shops e.g. Midas. You just brush it on with a paint brush and wash it off with water - no scrubbing - it's cheap and works like a bomb. Just make sure you use gloves otherwise it will strip all the oil from your skin. I seem to remember however that The Mine has already been cleaned: viewtopic.php?f=12&t=8931

I would love to join but I am in Turkey until the 19th. Thank you guys for the service, The Mine is looking a little scummy. Clifford mentioned doing some path maintainance. The problem is now that the path is in such a bad state that people have begun to walk through bushes to avoid the path which isn't really helping the issue. I will let you guys know when we deside to go and fix this path up, maybe a few extra people can come along and help us fix it up

Thanks so much. Yes, the path is definitely next on our agenda and I have put it on the agenda for the Rock Sub Com meeting to be held later this month.

Paul and I managed to get most of the oil/parafin off the rock at The Mine but unfortunately a lot of it has seeped into the rock and discoloured it. We also cleaned off chalk and charcoal scribbles by some juvenile delinquets so it's all looking better now.

I was there a few weeks ago and an army of around fifteen kids arrived at the Mine. There were no adults and the kids must have been aged 8-12.

I think 'uncle' Rhino was quite intimidated by them whilst belaying me, but probably only because he didn't understand their Afrikaans.

There was an oil container that I noticed on the walk in. Goodness knows what it was doing on the path, but on the way out I saw the kids had emptied it all over the show. (Perhaps the tree fellers left the oil; perhaps someone else.)

Uncle Rhino had to kick their arses when they started writing graffiti on the rock.